Women’s World Cup 2025: We want to make this tournament, says Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana

Published - 19 Sept 2025, 16:27 IST | Updated - 19 Sept 2025, 16:27 IST

Bangladesh’s maiden ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup campaign in 2022 saw them record their first-ever win in the tournament against Pakistan. Skipper Nigar Sultana Joty is now looking forward to leaving a mark in her team’s second World Cup, starting September 30.

Joty, while reliving the standout displays from that famous win, set her sights on the upcoming marquee tournament and highlighted Bangladesh’s key strengths, which contributed to their success at the Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier earlier this year in Pakistan.

“We are super excited and hopeful, and we want to make it count for us this time. Our first experience of playing an ODI World Cup three years ago in New Zealand was an eye-opening experience for the team. We made history last time, securing our first-ever win at a World Cup by beating Pakistan in a game I will never forget,” wrote Joty in her ICC column.

“Fargana Hoque top-scored for us that day and has been selected again for the squad. As the highest run-scorer for Bangladesh, she is vital to our success, as is Sharmin Akhter, who has responded well to moving down the order to number three. Sharmin scored the most runs for us as we made it through the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Pakistan. Also, key to our success were our spin bowlers, and I expect them to thrive in India and Sri Lanka, just as they did in Pakistan. Nahida Akter is our leading wicket-taker in ODIs and T20Is, and is such a key player for us,” she added.

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Seven players from Bangladesh’s 2022 Cricket World Cup squad return for the 2025 edition, providing ample experience to complement the youthful energy of several tournament debutants. Joty admitted that the preparations leading up to the tournament have been intense, with Bangladesh confident of putting their best foot forward on the big stage.

“We have been practicing very hard for the last few months and hope we can be at our best game in this wonderful moment. I am seeking prayers from Bangladeshi people and fans from around the world,” wrote Joty.

Bangladesh will begin their World Cup campaign against Pakistan on Thursday, October 2, in Colombo.